Nepali former PM announces new political party

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Dr Baburam Bhattarai on Sunday announced the establishment of a new political party under his leadership with the agenda of economic prosperity of the Himalayan nation.

Bhattarai's new party is named as "Naya Shakti," which means New Force in English.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony at the presence of thousands of well-wishers, party cadres and various political party leaders at Dasarath Stadium here in the capital, Bhattarai declared that his party has given top most priority to economic development of the country.

"We can make Nepal one of the richest nations of the world within period of 25 years by developing it as a bridge between the global economies China and India," Bhattarai said while addressing the inaugural session.

Bhattarai had announced his resignation as the Vice-president of the Unified CPN Maoist in last September, ending a 25-year-long affiliation with the party, following a serious rift with the party Chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal.

Bhattarai, who is regarded as a mastermind of 10-year-long Maoist insurgency from 1996 to 2006, was elected as the country's 35th prime minister in 2011.

After administering the 10-point-oath to members of the new party Sunday, Bhattarai said that "New Force Nepal" would work to protect national independence, inclusive democracy and republicanism.

Stating that his party is different from other political parties, Bhattarai stressed on ensuring proportional representation of all communities including Arya, Indigenous Nationalities and Madhesis to achieve peace and stability in the nation.

Bhattarai further expressed a commitment to respect and promote rights of all social groups and to work for the welfare of next generations. The new political force has claimed of having more than 100,000 members across the nation including intellectuals, experts and civil society leaders.

Leaders of major political parties including Nepalese Prime Minster KP Sharma Oli had attended the party announcement ceremony.

There have been mixed responses in Nepal over the emergence of the new party under Bhattarai's leadership.

On her Twitter Post, Saraswati Subba, a renowned civil society activist in Nepal, doubt over the new party's success on its mission.

On his Twitter Post, Former Finance Minister Dr. Ramsharan Mahat has welcomed the party's vision to achieve economic prosperity in the country. Endite